You may already know that a personal storage unit is a great way to free up some space in your home or apartment. If you have a lot of things taking up space that you seldom use but don’t want to discard, keeping them in a storage unit is the way to go.

The same applies if you are moving from a lager living space to a smaller one and need to store excess furniture and other items.

But did you know that there lots of other ways to take advantage of self-storage? For storage facilities that allow you to use the space for more than just holding your belongings, the possibilities extend far beyond simply being a place to stash your excess possessions.

Office space Self-storage facilities can offer a level of flexibility and affordability that traditional office spaces are unlikely to match. Finding suitable office space to rent can be a very difficult and costly part of starting or expanding a business, but self-storage facilities can offer pay-as-you-go options with low overhead costs.

Hobby and craft shop If you have a hobby you love but no space to practice it in your home, a self-storage unit may be the answer you’re looking for.

It can be your place to get away from all the distractions and stress of the world and focus on your craft. Just make sure that if you’re dealing with substances like oil or paint that could spill and damage the unit, you take precautions to prevent any damage.

Photography studio Self-storage units can be great for both taking studio photographs and for setting up a darkroom. Since many units are available with high ceilings, you will have plenty of space for your lighting equipment.

Inventory storage Whether you have a brick-and-mortar retail store or you operate an online store, inventory storage can be a real hassle. Rent for retail spaces can be very high, and you want to have as much room as possible for your customers’ experience. If you sell items online from your home, an expanding business can really crowd out your actual living space. That’s why a self-storage unit can provide the extra inventory space you need.

Artist studio A self-storage unit can be an excellent and affordable studio for painters, illustrators, sculptors, or musicians. They provide a place to focus on your work and store your equipment without long-term lease commitments or high costs. If you’re a musician, you should check with the management about whether you can install soundproofing.